News and Events
Guest Speakers Inspire Action on Teen Vaping
March 5, 2025
The Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County recently held our Q3 meeting to address the growing concern of teen vaping in our community. Two guest speakers, Marty Milke from Senator Grall’s office and Isabella, a senior SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) student, provided valuable insights on how we can make a real difference in tackling this issue.
Attendees (back row L to R): Harrison Havery from the City of Sebring, Karl Hoglund from the Sebring Police Department, Marty Milke from Florida Senator Grall’s office, Scott Kirouac from the Board of County Commissioners, Jessica Carlson as grantee staff, Sharlene Pyatt from Tri-County Human Resources, Pam Crain from the Department of Health;
(front row L to R:) Amberhope Montero from AdventHealth Sebring & Isabella as a SWAT Highlands Senior
Legislative Perspective: Community-Based Solutions Over Financial Penalties
Marty Milke emphasized the need for alternative solutions beyond monetary fines for teens caught vaping. She proposed impactful consequences that would deter teens while fostering accountability, including:
- Community service opportunities that reinforce responsibility
- Restrictions on sports participation for repeated offenses
- Increased parental involvement in addressing the root of the issue
- Limited access to vaping devices through stricter policies
Milke also provided a timeline for legislative action, recommending that discussions take place over the summer, with proposed bill recommendations to be presented in August in preparation for the January legislative session. She encouraged the partnership to explore successful strategies implemented in Martin and Indian River counties.
A Student’s Perspective: The Power of Peer Influence
Senior SWAT student Isabella shared her firsthand experience with vaping trends in schools. She emphasized that peer pressure is a significant driver behind teen vaping and suggested that consequences, such as revoking privileges, could serve as an effective deterrent. Isabella credited the SWAT Club for shaping her decision to abstain from vaping and highlighted the importance of expanding youth-led initiatives that empower students to say no.
How the Partnership Can Make a Difference
The discussion underscored the urgency of implementing effective strategies to combat teen vaping in Highlands County. Key takeaways included:
- Enhancing Education Initiatives: Starting prevention efforts earlier and reinforcing anti-vaping education in schools.
- Improving Data Collection: Identifying gaps in existing research to develop targeted interventions.
- Strengthening Community Collaboration: Working with schools, local government, and healthcare providers to create a unified approach.
- Exploring Alternative Disciplinary Measures: Increasing the punitive fines as well as implementing meaningful consequences that deter vaping behaviors.
Next Steps: Engaging the School Board
To further explore how student conduct policies can be refined to address teen vaping more effectively, the partnership will invite School Board Superintendent, Brenda Longshore and Director of Safety and Security, Tim Leesburg to the next meeting on June 4, 2025. This discussion will provide an opportunity to evaluate what is working in terms of teen vaping, what needs improvement, and how we can drive meaningful change together.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to taking actionable steps to protect Highlands County’s youth from the dangers of vaping. The partnership remains dedicated to fostering collaboration, gathering data, and advocating for policies that will make a lasting impact on our community.
For more information on how you can get involved, contact the Tobacco Free Partnership of Highlands County today!
